Awards make a truly positive news story for Duhallow region

Rathmore Social Action Group, winners of the Best Community Enterprise Award at the inaugral Duhallow Business Awards 2013 at the James O'Keeffe Institute, Newmarket receive their prize from Brendan Malone, editor, The Corkman.

WE'RE here to celebrate a positive news story in the Duhallow region, Mr John Feerick of The Corkman - in true newspaper fashion - told those gathered for the awards.

WE'RE here to celebrate a positive news story in the Duhallow region, Mr John Feerick of The Corkman - in true newspaper fashion - told those gathered for the awards.

He went on to say that too many times over the last number of years the media had been blamed, rightly or wrongly, for negative coverage of recent events in the economy. "Well, tonight is different!" he continued. "We're here to celebrate the achievements of 18 local companies across many different sectors who have qualified as finalists. Mr Feerick said he had been lucky to have met with the people behind many of these companies first-hand over recent weeks, which had been an inspiring journey. "There are so many great ambassadors in business across this region and tonight we get to recognise their achievements," he said.

But he went on to add: "Let us also not forget the many other companies who entered these awards. I know from the deliberations with the judges just how difficult it was to choose the finalists here tonight but it must be said that there were so many other companies and groups who could easily have been here tonight and I would strongly encourage these companies and any other business out there not to lose heart and keep putting yourself out there."

He explained how the judging process involved looking at all the entrants and assessing their sustainability, creativity and innovation, and, most importantly, the contribution they made to the local economy. "And I'm delighted to say that this was the most impressive criteria," said John. "It's incredible to believe the level of training and diversification that many of these organisations are providing to so many people across the region.

He also noted how the Duhallow Business Awards would not have been possible were it not for the support and organisational skills provided by IRD Duhallow.

"When a number of us from The Corkman first approached them they were very positive and they helped bring the awards from an idea through to reality," he said.

"I want to especially thank Maura Walsh, CEO of IRD Duhallow, and Louise Burke for all the hard work she has put in behind the scenes."

He also thanked the staff of the Corkman, especially Billy Mangan in sales, Maria Herlihy in editorial and Brendan Malone, editor.

"As a local newspaper, we take great pride in promoting positive news stories and this is as good a platform as any to generate next week's big news in the Duhallow region."

Paying tribute to the success of all the finalists, John said he wanted to wish all the businesses and organisations involved the very best of luck for the future. "I look forward to reading about you in The Corkman and I hope that I will meet many of you back here in this fantastic marquee at the same time next year," he concluded.